Redefining the rules: Providing race models with a connectionist learning rule

In this paper, we describe the Parallel Race Network (PRN), a race model with the ability to learn stimulus-response associations using a formal framework that is very similar to the one used by the traditional connectionist networks. The PRN assumes that the connections represent abstract units of time rather than strengths of association. Consequently, the connections in the network indicate how rapidly the information should be sent to an output unit. The decision is based on a race between the outputs. To make learning functional and autonomous, the Delta rule was modified to fit the time-based assumption of the PRN. Finally, the PRN is used to simulate an identification task and the implications of its mode of representation are discussed.     

A framework to integrate history matching and geostatistical modeling using genetic algorithm and direct search methods

History matching is an inverse problem where the reservoir model is modified in order to reproduce field observed data. Traditional history matching processes are executed separately from the geological and geostatistical modeling stage due to the complexity of each area. Changes made directly on the reservoir properties generally yield inconsistent geological models. This work presents a framework to integrate geostatistical modeling and history matching process, where geostatistical images are treated as matching parameters. The traditional optimization methods normally applied in history matching generally use gradient information. The treatment of geostatistical images as matching parameters is difficult for these methods due to the strong non-linearities in the solution space. Therefore, another objective of this work is to investigate the application of two optimization methods: genetic algorithm and direct search method in the proposed framework. In order to accelerate the optimization process, two additional techniques are used: upscaling and distributed computing. Results are presented showing the viability of the genetic algorithm in the type of problem addressed in this work and also that direct search method can be used with some restriction. Finally, the benefits of distributed computing and the consistence of the upscaling process are shown.     

Neutralization of IL-12 demonstrates the existence of discrete organ-specific phases in the control of Leishmania donovani

Aspergillus nidulans grows by apical extension of multinucleate cells called hyphae that are subdivided by the insertion of crosswalls called septa. Apical cells vary in length and number of nuclei, whereas subapical cells are typically 40 microm long with three to four nuclei. Apical cells have active mitotic cycles, whereas subapical cells are arrested for growth and mitosis until branch formation reinitiates tip growth and nuclear divisions. This multicellular growth pattern requires coordination between localized growth, nuclear division, and septation. We searched a temperature-sensitive mutant collection for strains with conditional defects in growth patterning and identified six mutants (designated hyp for hypercellular). The identified hyp mutations are nonlethal, recessive defects in five unlinked genes (hypA-hypE). Phenotypic analyses showed that these hyp mutants have aberrant patterns of septation and show defects in polarity establishment and tip growth, but they have normal nuclear division cycles and can complete the asexual growth cycle at restrictive temperature. Temperature shift analysis revealed that hypD and hypE play general roles in hyphal morphogenesis, since inactivation of these genes resulted in a general widening of apical and subapical cells. Interestingly, loss of hypA or hypB function lead to a cessation of apical cell growth but activated isotropic growth and mitosis in subapical cells. The inferred functions of hypA and hypB suggest a mechanism for coordinating apical growth, subapical cell arrest, and mitosis in A. nidulans.     

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair after transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reconstruction

Abdominal wall herniation is a relatively rare but well recognized complication that is known to occur following TRAM flap mobilization. Herein is presented a novel means to approach such a hernia, using the minimally invasive surgical approach to repair the defect with a piece of prosthetic material.     

Full-wave analysis of microstrip floating-line discontinuities

A full-wave analysis of the resonance generated by a floating line is presented. Beginning with the dyadic Green's function for a dielectric slab, an integral equation is formulated. This integral equation is then solved by the method of moments in obtaining the transmission and reflection coefficients, as well as current distributions along the transmission line and on the floating line, both longitudinal and transverse. Employing these results, the near- and far-zone fields, as well as radiation patterns are computed. It was found that under resonance conditions the radiation power can exceed 13% of the feeding power, which may cause a potential problem in electromagnetic compatibility. Singularities involved in the Sommerfeld integrals are carried out by a novel pole extraction technique in conjunction with conventional folding methods. The new technique reduced the relative error of the singular integrals due to inaccurate pole position about one order in magnitude in comparison to the traditional approaches. To verify the new approach, a number of cases of open-ended transmission lines and gap discontinuities are examined. The results obtained from this method showed good agreement with those of previous publications     

Kinetics of chlorine release from two low-rank coals in aqueous ammonia solution

The amounts of chlorine released from two low-rank coals on immersion in aqueous ammonia solution have been measured, using various particle sizes, ammonia concentrations and contact times. Application of equations used in studying ion-exchange kinetics indicates rate-determining steps that are consistent with the general pattern of the results.     

Effects of intravenous immunoglobulins in thrombopenia related to septic shock

OBJECTIVES: Intravenous immunoglobulins have been shown to be effective in the treatment of immunologically mediated thrombocytopenia. Several articles have been published on the positive effect of immunoglobulins in sepsis-related death. We retrospectively studied the effects of intravenous immunoglobulins used during septic shock thrombocytopenia over a 5-year period in a polyvalent intensive care unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria were development of acute thrombocytopenia under 75 G/l during septic shock, excluding all cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thirty-five patients were included in the study; 18 were given polyvalent intravenous immunoglobulins (group IgIV) and 17 were not (controls). The two groups were comparable for SAPS and APACHE II gravity scores at admission and at day 0 (first day of septic shock with platelet count under 75 G/l), age, sex, platelet count at admission, OSF score, type of referral unit, McCabe score, and the presence of 4 parameters which might affect platelet count hemofiltration, ARDS, surgery, Swan-Ganz catheter. RESULTS: Platelet counts increased on day 8 in the treatment group (63.5 G/l, range 25-453 versus 105.7 G/l, range 38-355; p = 0.0505). The number of days with thrombocytopenia was the same in both groups. Overall mortality was high (60%) but there was a difference between the two groups in favor of the treated group (74.7% versus 44.4%; p = 0.053). The number of red cell units (214 vs. 164) and plasma units (175 vs. 54) transfused was higher in the control group. Platelet transfusion was equivalent in the two groups. DISCUSSION: Although we were unable to demonstrate a significant difference in the effects of immunoglobulins on platelet level and mortality, the trend during this evaluation was comparable with that reported in the literature. For transfusion, and although the results were not significant, a notion of reduced risk was evident. Prospective trials are needed to confirm these observations.     

A new pressure ulcer risk assessment scale for individuals with spinal cord injury

The topography of somatosensory evoked magnetic fields (SEFs) following stimulation of the upper and lower lips was investigated in 6 normal subjects. When the lateral side of the upper lip was stimulated, P20m and its counterpart, N20m, were identified in the hemisphere contralateral to the stimulated side. The equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) of N20m-P20m were considered to be located in lip area of the primary sensory cortex (SI). Middle latency deflections (N40m-P40m, N60m-P60m, and N80m-P80m) were identified in bilateral hemispheres. Their ECDs were located in the SI in both hemispheres. Long latency deflections (P110m-N110m) were recognized in both hemispheres, and their ECDs were located inferior to the SI, in an area considered to be the secondary sensory cortex (SII). When the midline of the lip was stimulated, similar short and middle latency deflections was also identified, but SII deflections (P110m-N110m) were decreased in amplitude. When the lower lip was stimulated, the ECDs of short and middle latency deflections were located at a site in the SI inferior to or near those elicited by upper lip stimulation. The ECDs of P110m-N110m were located in an area of the SII similar to that upon stimulation of the upper lip, but their orientations were different.     

Molecular mobility in starchy materials studied by electron spin resonance

Phase transitions in hydrated starch–sorbitol system were investigated both by molecular (electron spin resonance, ESR) and macroscopic (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC) methods. In rapid‐tumbling region, one did not observe the same phenomena by DSC and by ESR. The transitions observed by ESR, which seemed to reflect more the interactions probe–matrix than plasticization, probably corresponded to the interactions probe–sorbitol. For system concentrated in plasticizer, it was conceivable to admit that a demixion of sorbitol occurred. In slow‐tumbling region, a correspondence in temperature mobility changes measured by mechanical spectroscopy and ESR was observed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 990–997, 2003